Gluten Intolerance

We got test results back last week, confirming that Bethany is gluten intolerant.  The report reads, “Intestinal antigliadin IgA antibody was elevated, indicating that you have active dietary gluten sensitivity. For optimal health, resolution of symptoms (if you have them), and prevention of small intestinal damage and malnutrition, osteoporosis, and damage to other tissues (like nerves, brain, joints, muscles, thyroid, pancreas, other glands, skin, liver, spleen, among others), it is recommended that you follow a STRICT and PERMANENT gluten free diet.”  Her Anti-gliadin IgA level was 117 units (normal range is less than 10 units).

 

It’s disappointing that she will have to stay on a gluten-free diet for the rest of her life, but I’m grateful that she hasn’t been eating it long enough to have done irreversible damage.   Also, I’m grateful that both she and Amanda were diagnosed at an early enough age that they are still developing their tastes, and won’t regret the loss of “favorite foods,” as they certainly would have if they’d had to change their diets later in life.   This way, all their favorites growing up will be gluten free.